Independent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been tight-lipped about his presidential pick, but an off camera conversation hints that he favors Republican candidate Mitt Romney over President Barack Obama.

Two attendants at a recent charity event claimed they overheard Bloomberg say Romney is a better pick but that he couldn't support him fully because of his stance on social issues like abortion and gun control. Bloomberg then said he intends to stay neutral during the presidential race, according to the guests.

The mayor hasn't commented on the claims.

Bloomberg spoke about the election last Monday during a Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City event.

The guests, who spoke to the New York Times on the condition of anonymity, said someone asked him at dinner about his feelings on the candidates.